Cladding for a domed structure

ABSTRACT

Cladding for a domed structure bridges gaps between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding preferably utilizes adjustable cladding panels and bridges to bridge the gap between adjacent roofing panels. The cladding is particularly suited for doubly curved surfaces.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The disclosures herein relate generally to space framestructures, and in particular to cladding for domed space framestructures.

[0002] In space frame construction, a generally cylindrical hub includesa plurality of outwardly directed slots extending along the peripheralsurface of the hub. The slots have opposed ribbed surfaces. Tubularframe members are flattened and crimped at their opposed ends. Thecrimped ends include elongated flat surfaces extending outwardly, oraway from each other. The crimped ends are ribbed in a pattern which canbe mated into engagement with the ribs in the hub slots. In this manner,each end of a tubular frame member may be slidably inserted into arespective hub slot and several tubular members may be connected at oneend to a hub slot to form a spider, i.e., a hub having a plurality oftubes extending outwardly therefrom, each tube terminating at a freeend.

[0003] The free end of each tube can be similarly connected to anotherhub. Thus, a framework of interconnected spiders formed of tubes andhubs can be joined to form a pre-assembled or modular section of a flatroof, a domed roof, a wall, etc., to be joined with other sections toeventually form a complete structure. The structure, once completed isthen covered with a selected cladding which is attached to thestructural framework by means of an interfacing cladding support system.

[0004] The cladding may be fabric, corrugated steel plates, glass, andother selected materials, and may include combinations of thesematerials for architectural design purposes. For example, a domed roofmay be clad with steel and may include a pattern of glass panels in aportion of the roof which has an aesthetic effect when viewed from theinterior of the structure.

[0005] However, in constructing domed space-frame structures having aplurality of roofing areas that include doubly curved surfaces, ofpositive and/or negative gaussian curvature, it is difficult to coversuch surfaces with conventional rectangular cladding panels without gapsof variable width occurring between the cladding panels.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a cladding system for domedstructures directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations of theexisting structures.

SUMMARY

[0007] One embodiment, accordingly, provides a building that includes asupport structure, a first panel coupled to the support structure, asecond panel coupled to the support structure, wherein at least aportion of the second panel is separated from the first panel by a gap,and a clip coupled to the support structure adapted to couple the firstand second panels, wherein the size of the clip is adjustable.

[0008] A principal advantage of this embodiment is that it permits adomed structure to be covered in a manner which avoids the limitationspresently associated with cladding such structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment a portionof the cladding for a domed structure including doubly curved surfaces.

[0010]FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating an embodiment ofthe portion of the cladding for a domed structure including doublycurved surfaces of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating an embodiment of a panel forbridging the gap between adjacent rectangular panels on a doubly curvedsurface having positive curvature.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating an embodiment of a panel forbridging the gap between adjacent rectangular panels on a doubly curvedsurface having negative curvature.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional illustration of a prior art cladding.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional illustration of a prior art claddingfor bridging a gap between adjacent panels.

[0015]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional illustration of an embodiment for aclip for use in cladding for use in bridging a gap.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of theheight adjustment of a clip for use in cladding for bridging a gap.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional illustration of another embodiment ofthe height adjustment of a clip for use in bridging a gap.

[0018]FIG. 10 is a cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of acladding system for use in bridging a gap.

[0019]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of acladding system for use in bridging a gap.

[0020]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional illustration of a preferredembodiment of the cladding system of FIG. 11.

[0021]FIG. 13 is a cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of acladding system for use in bridging a gap.

[0022]FIG. 14 is a cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of acladding system for use in bridging a gap.

[0023]FIG. 15 is an illustration of another embodiment of a claddingsystem that eliminates gaps by overlapping adjacent panels.

[0024]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional illustration of the embodiment of thecladding system for use in overlapping adjacent panels of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A cladding system for a domed structure is provided that permitsgaps between adjacent roofing panels to be bridged without the use ofcustom made bridging panels of variable size. In a preferred embodiment,the cladding system bridges variable gaps between adjacent roofingpanels positioned on a doubly curved surface. In this manner, theconstruction of a domed structure is simplified.

[0026] A cladding system for a domed structure is also provided thatutilizes roofing overlapping roofing panels coupled by an adhesivelayer. In this manner, a watertight roofing system is provided withouthaving to utilize custom fabricated roofing panels.

[0027] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a doubly curved surface 100is illustrated that includes a number of individual sections 105 a and105 b. The doubly curved surface 100 is typical of surfaces found indomed structures. The doubly curved surface 100 has positive gaussiancurvature. Alternatively, the doubly curved surface 100 could havenegative gaussian curvature. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the doubly curved surface 100 is representativeof the outline shape of a domed structure.

[0028] In order to provide a roofing system for such a domed structure,it is conventional to provide an underlying support structure, and thenclad the underlying support structure with a number of roofing panels110 a and 110 b. Such conventional roofing panels, 110 a and 110 b,typically consist of long rectangular panels. When such panels, 110 aand 110 b, are placed on a doubly curved surface 100, a variable gap, G,results between the adjacent ends of the panels, 110 a and 110 b.

[0029] For a doubly curved surface having positive gaussian curvature,if the ends of the panels, 110 a and 110 b, are positioned in contact,the gap between the panels, 110 a and 110 b, increases in size towardsthe middle portion of the panels, 110 a and 110 b. Conversely, for adoubly curved surface having negative gaussian curvature, if the centersof adjacent side of the panels, 110 a and 110 b, are positioned incontact, the gap between the panels, 110 a and 110 b, increases in sizetowards the end portions of the panels, 110 a and 110 b.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, one conventional method for bridgingthe gap, G, between adjacent roofing panels, 110 a and 110 b, on adoubly curved surface includes the use of custom made roofing panels,300 and 400. The custom roofing panel 300 is adapted to bridge thevariable gap between adjacent roofing panels on a doubly curved surfacehaving positive gaussian curvature. The custom roofing panel 400 isadapted to bridge the variable gap between adjacent roofing panels on adoubly curved surface having negative gaussian curvature. The design andconstruction of such custom made roofing panels is expensive and timeconsuming. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that manyother shapes and sizes of custom made roofing panels can be used tobridge such gaps.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another conventional approach topreventing gaps between cladding panels in the application of claddingpanels onto doubly curved surfaces is to use an intermediate fixedmember, often referred to as a clip, between the cladding panels todistort the cladding panels to thereby bridge the gap. As illustrated inFIG. 5, a conventional cladding 500 includes a first cladding panel 505,a clip 510, and a second cladding panel 515.

[0032] The first cladding panel 505 includes a standing seam member 520.The standing seam 520 includes a hook 525. The second cladding panel 515includes a standing seam member 530. The standing seam member 530includes a hook 535. The clip 510 includes a standing seam member 540and a base member 545. The standing seam member 540 includes a hook 550.The base member 545 of the clip 510 is mounted onto an underlyingsupporting structure (not illustrated).

[0033] The standing seam member 530 of the second cladding panel 515overlaps and mates with the standing seam member 540 for the clip 510.The standing seam member 540 for the clip 510 overlaps and mates withthe standing seam member 520 for the first cladding panel 505. Theinteraction of the hook 525 of the first cladding panel 505 with thehook 550 of the clip 510 prevents lateral movement of the hook 525 ofthe first cladding panel 505 relative to the hook 550 of the clip 510.In similar fashion, the interaction of the hook 535 of the secondcladding panel 515 with the hook 550 of the clip 510 prevents lateralmovement of the hook 535 of the second cladding panel 515 relative tothe hook 550 of the clip 510.

[0034] When the conventional cladding 500 is mounted onto a doublycurved surface, the clip 510 is affixed to the underlying supportstructure 555 at a position proximate to the location where the gapwould normally exist between the opposing edges 560 and 565 of thecladding panels 505 and 515, respectively. The cladding panels 505 and515 are then mounted onto the doubly curved surface using the standingseam member 540 of the clip 510 to distort the standing seam members 520and 530 of the cladding panels 505 and 515, respectively. In particular,the standing seam members 520 and 530 of the cladding panels 505 and 515are displaced from a substantially vertical orientation by theiroverlapping and hooked relationship with the standing seam member 540 ofthe clip 510. In this manner, the gap G between the opposing edges 560and 565 of the cladding panels 505 and 515 is bridged by thedisplacement of the standing seam members 520 and 530.

[0035] One limitation of the conventional approach to bridging the gapbetween adjacent cladding panels illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is theneed to accommodate the vertical displacement of the standing seammembers 520 and 530 of the cladding panels 505 and 515. In particular,when the standing seam members 520 and 530 are displaced in a horizontaldirection in order to bridge the gap G, the vertical height of thestanding seam members 520 and 530 are reduced.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in a preferred embodiment, inorder to accommodate the vertical displacement of the standing seammembers 520 and 530 of the cladding panels 505 and 515 created bybridging the gap G, a supply of variable sized clips 700, 800, and 900are provided at the construction site with various vertical heights H.In this manner, the optimum fit can be obtained in the interface betweenthe cladding panels 505 and 515 and the clips. In an alternativepreferred embodiment, a supply of clip 700 are provided at theconstruction site which can be modified to provide the clips 800 and900.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 10, an alternative preferred embodiment of acladding system 1000 for bridging the gap between adjacent claddingpanels in a roofing system for a building includes a support structure1005, a first cladding panel 1010, a second cladding panel 1015, and aclip 1020. The support structure 1005 may comprise any number ofconventional commercially available support structures. In a preferredembodiment, the support structure 1005 is any one of the commerciallyavailable space frame structures from Geometrica, Inc. in Houston, Tex.Such space frame structures are particularly suited to large free spanstructures.

[0038] The first cladding panel 1010 includes a plane member 1025 and aseam member 1030. The seam member 1030 preferably extends from the planemember 1025 in a substantially vertical direction relative to the planeof the plane member 1025. The seam member 1030 includes a hook member1035. In a preferred embodiment, the seam member 1030 extends from theplane member 1025 in a substantially perpendicular direction. In analternative preferred embodiment, the outline of the cross sectionalshape of the seam member 1030 is approximately trapezoidal. The firstcladding panel 1010 may be fabricated, for example, from aluminum orgalvanized sheet metal using conventional methods. The width andthickness of the first cladding panel 1010 are preferably substantiallyconstant throughout.

[0039] The second cladding panel 1015 includes a plane member 1040 and aseam member 1045. The seam member 1045 preferably extends from the planemember 1040 in a substantially vertical direction relative to the planeof the plane member 1040. The seam member 1045 includes a hook member1050. In a preferred embodiment, the outline of the cross sectionalshape of the seam member 1045 is approximately trapezoidal. In analternative embodiment, the outline of the cross sectional shape of theseam member 1045 is approximately rectangular. The second cladding panel1015 may be fabricated, for example, from aluminum or galvanized sheetmetal using conventional methods.

[0040] The clip 1020 includes a plane member 1055 and a seam member1060. The seam member 1060 preferably extends from the plane of theplane member 1055 in a substantially vertical direction relative to theplane of the plane member 1055. The plane member 1055 is preferablycoupled to the support structure 1005 using conventional mechanicalfasteners. The seam member 1060 includes a hook member 1065. In apreferred embodiment, the outline of the cross sectional shape of theseam member 1060 is approximately trapezoidal. In an alternativeembodiment, the outline of the cross sectional shape of the seam member1060 is approximately rectangular. The clip 1020 may be fabricated, forexample, from aluminum or galvanized sheet metal using conventionalmethods. The width and thickness of the clip 1020 are preferablysubstantially constant throughout.

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outline of the crosssectional shapes of the seam members, 1030, 1045, and 1060, of the firstcladding panel 1010, second cladding panel 1015, and clip 1020 arerectangular, approximately trapezoidal, and approximately trapezoidal,respectively. In this manner, the clip 1020 nests within the secondcladding panel 1015 and the position of the first cladding panel 1010within the clip 1020 can be varied to accommodate variations in the gapG between the cladding panels 1010 and 1015. In a particularly preferredembodiment, the shape of the second cladding panel 1015 is furthermodified to closely match with the outer surface shape of the clip 1020.In this manner, a close mating relationship is obtained between thesecond cladding panel 1015 and the clip 1020.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, a conventional mechanical fastener1070 is used to rigidly couple the second cladding panel 1015 and theclip 1020.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative preferred embodiment of acladding system 1100 for bridging a gap between roofing panels in aroofing system for a building includes a support structure 1105, a firstroofing panel 1110, a first clip 1115, a bridging panel 1120, a secondclip 1125, and a second roofing panel 1130. The support structure 1105may comprise any number of conventional commercially available supportstructures. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure 1105 is anyone of the commercially available space frame structures fromGeometrica, Inc. in Houston, Texas. Such space frame structures areparticularly suited to large free span structures.

[0044] The first roofing panel 1110, first clip 1115, second clip 1125,and second roofing panel 1130 may comprise conventional roofing panelsand clips. Alternatively, or in combination, the first roofing panels1110 and/or the second roofing panel 1130 may comprise bridging panels1120.

[0045] The bridging panel 1120 preferably includes a first plane member1135, a second plane member 1140, a first vertical seam member 1145, asecond vertical seam member 1150, and an adjustable member 1155. Thevertical seam members 1145 and 1150 are preferably adapted for couplingto the roofing clips 1115 and 1125 and/or the other cladding panels 1110and 1130. In this manner, the bridging panel 1120 alone or incombination with other cladding panels forms a roofing structure for abuilding. The adjustable member 1155 is preferably adapted to permit thegap G between the plane members 1135 and 1140 to vary. In this manner,the bridging panel 2005 permits a roofing structure to accommodatevariations in the underlying surface structure. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the bridging panel 1120 is used to provide aroofing structure for doubly curved surfaces.

[0046] The seam members 1145 and 1150 preferably extend from the planemembers 1135 and 1140 in substantially vertical directions relative tothe planes of the plane members 1135 and 1140. The seam members 1145 and1150 include hook members 1160 and 1165. In a preferred embodiment, theoutlines of the cross sectional shapes of the seam members 1145 and 1150are approximately trapezoidal and rectangular, respectively. In analternative preferred embodiment, the outlines of the cross sectionalshapes of the seam members 1145 and 1150 are approximately rectangularand trapezoidal, respectively. In other alternative embodiments, theoutlines of the seam members 1145 and 1150 are both approximatelyrectangular, or both trapezoidal.

[0047] The adjustable member 1155 preferably includes a first seammember 1170, a second seam member 1175, and a bridge member 1180. Theseam members 1170 and 1175 preferably extend from the plane members 1135and 1140 in substantially vertical directions relative to the planes ofthe plane members 1135 and 1140. In a particularly preferred embodiment,the seam members 1170 and 1175 are inclined in opposing directions fromthe vertical direction. The bridge member 1180 extends between the seammembers 1170 and 1175. In a preferred embodiment, the bridge member 1180is substantially parallel to the plane of the plane members 1135 and1140. In a preferred embodiment, the outline of the cross sectionalshape of the adjustable member 1155 is approximately trapezoidal. Inalternative embodiments, the outline of the cross sectional shape of theadjustable member 1155 is approximately rectangular or triangular.

[0048] In this manner, the adjustable member 1155 bridges the gap Gbetween the plane members 1135 and 1140 regardless of variations in thegap G between the plane members 1135 and 1140. In particular, when usedin a roofing system for a building structure, the positions of the seammembers 1170 and 1175 of the adjustable member 1155 will be deformed toadjust for variations in the gap G between the plane members 1135 and1140.

[0049] The bridging panel 1120 may be fabricated, for example, fromaluminum or galvanized sheet metal using conventional methods. Thethickness and width of the bridging panel 1120, as fabricated, arepreferably substantially constant throughout.

[0050] In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG.12, the bridging panel 1200 includes a first plane member 1205, a secondplane member 1210, a first vertical seam member 1215, a second verticalseam member 1220, and an adjustable member 1225. In a preferredembodiment, the first plane member 1205 has a length of approximately8.1 inches, the second plane member 1210 has a length of approximately8.010 inches, and the first and second plane members, 1205 and 1210, areseparated by a gap of approximately 2.063 inches. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the seam members 1215 and 1220 extendapproximately 2.5 inches above the plane members 2010 and 2012. In theparticularly preferred embodiment, the seam members 1215 and 1220include inclined sections that begin approximately 1 inch from the endof the bridging panel 1200.

[0051] The seam members 1215 and 1220 further include hook members 1230and 1235. The hook members 1230 and 1235 of the seam members 1215 and1220 are preferably approximately 0.625 inches and 0.75 inches in lengthrespectively.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 13, an alternative preferred embodiment of acladding system 1300 for bridging the gap between adjacent roofingpanels in a roofing system for a building includes a support structure1305, a first cladding panel 1310, a bridge 1315, and a second claddingpanel 1320. The support structure 1305 may comprise any number ofcommercially available support structures. In a preferred embodiment,the support structure 1305 is any one of the commercially availablespace frame structures from Geometrica, Inc. in Houston, Tex. Such spaceframe structures are particularly suited to large free span structures.

[0053] The cladding panels 1310 and 1320 may comprise conventionalcladding panels. In a preferred embodiment, the cladding panels 1310 and1320 include plane members 1325 and 1330 and seam members 1335 and 1340,respectively. The seam members 1335 and 1340 preferably extend from theplane members 1325 and 1330 in a substantially vertical directionrelative to the planes of the plane members 1325 and 1330. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the seam members 1335 and 1340include hook members 1345 and 1350. In a preferred embodiment, theoutline of the cross sectional shapes of the seam members 1335 and 1340are approximately rectangular. In an alternative embodiment, the outlineof the cross sectional shapes of the seam members 1335 and 1340 areapproximately trapezoidal. The cladding panels 1310 and 1320 may befabricated, for example, from galvanized sheet metal using conventionalmethods. The width and thickness of the cladding panels 1310 and 1320are preferably substantially constant throughout.

[0054] The bridge 1315 includes a cover 1355 and a clip 1360 that areadapted to bridge the gap G between the plane members 1325 and 1330 ofthe cladding panels 1310 and 1320.

[0055] The clip 1360 includes a plane member 1365 and seam members 1370and 1375. The seam members 1370 and 1375 preferably extend from theplane member 1365 in a substantially vertical direction relative to theplane of the plane member 1365. The plane member 1365 is preferablycoupled to the support structure 1305 using conventional mechanicalfasteners. The seam members 1370 and 1375 preferably include hookmembers 1380 and 1385. In a preferred embodiment, the outline of thecross sectional shapes of the seam members 1370 and 1375 areapproximately trapezoidal. In an alternative embodiment, the outline ofthe cross sectional shapes of the seam members 1370 and 1375 areapproximately rectangular. The clip 1360 may be fabricated, for example,from aluminum or galvanized sheet metal using conventional methods. Thewidth and thickness of the clip 1360 are preferably substantiallyconstant throughout.

[0056] The cover 1365 is preferably comprised of an arcuate section andis adapted to fit over the clip 1360. The cover 1365 preferably includeshooks 1390 and 1395 that permit the cover 1355 to be locked onto theclip 1360. The cover 1355 may be fabricated, for example, from aluminumor galvanized sheet metal using conventional methods. The width andthickness of the cover 1355 are preferably substantially constantthroughout.

[0057] The outline of the cross sectional shapes of the seam members1335 and 1340 of the cladding panels 1310 and 1320 and the seam members1370 and 1375 of the clip 1360 are preferably selected to beapproximately trapezoidal and approximately rectangular, respectively.In this manner, the bridge 1315 is able to accommodate variations in thegap G between the plane members 1325 and 1330 of the cladding panels1310 and 1320.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 14, an alternative preferred embodiment of acladding system 1400 for bridging the gap between adjacent roofingpanels in a roofing system for a building includes a support structure1405, a first cladding panel 1410, a second cladding panel 1415, and abridge 1420. The support structure 1405 may comprise any number ofcommercially available support structures. In a preferred embodiment,the support structure 1405 is any one of the commercially availablespace frame structures from Geometrica, Inc. in Houston, Tex. Such spaceframe structures are particularly suited to large free span structures.

[0059] The cladding panels 1410 and 1415 may comprise conventionalcladding panels suitable for use in a roofing system for a building. Ina preferred embodiment, the cladding panels 1410 and 1415 comprise anyone of the embodiments of the cladding panels disclosed in the presentdisclosure.

[0060] The bridge 1420 is adapted to bridge the gap G between the planemembers of the cladding panels 1410 and 1415. In a preferred embodiment,the bridge 1420 includes a top member 1425 and a bottom member 1430.

[0061] The top member 1425 includes a plane member 1435 and seam members1440 and 1445. The seam members 1440 and 1445 extend from the planemember 1435 in a vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the seammembers 1440 and 1445 extend from the plane member 1435 in asubstantially perpendicular direction. In a preferred embodiment, theplane member 1435 is substantially parallel to the plane of the planemembers of the cladding panels 1410 and 1415. The plane member 1435 iscoupled to the bottom member 1430 using a conventional mechanicalfastener 1450. The top member 1425 may be fabricated, for example, fromaluminum or galvanized sheet metal using conventional methods. In apreferred embodiment, the width and thickness of the top member 1425 aresubstantially constant.

[0062] The bottom member 1430 includes a plane member 1455 and seammembers 1460 and 1465. The seam members 1460 and 1465 extend from theplane member 1455 in a vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment,the seam members 1460 and 1465 extend from the plane member 1455 in asubstantially perpendicular direction. In a preferred embodiment, theplane member 1455 is substantially parallel to the plane of the planemembers of the cladding panels 1410 and 1415. The plane member 1455 ispreferably coupled to the support structure 1405 using the conventionalmechanical fastener 1450. The bottom member 1430 may be fabricated, forexample, from aluminum or galvanized sheet metal using conventionalmethods. In a preferred embodiment, the width and thickness of the topmember 1430 are substantially constant.

[0063] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the top and bottommembers 1425 and 1430 provide a cavity 1470 into which the edge portionsof the cladding panel 1410 and 1415 project. In this manner, the bridge1420 bridges the gap G between the plane members of the cladding panels1410 and 1415. Furthermore, the bridge 1420 is able to accommodatevariations in the gap G between the plane members of the cladding panels1410 and 1415.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an alternative preferred embodimentof a cladding system 1500 for bridging the gap between adjacent roofingpanels in a roofing system for a building includes a support structure1505, a first roofing panels 1510, and a second roofing panel 1515. Thesupport structure 1505 may comprise any number of commercially availablesupport structures. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure1505 is any one of the commercially available space frame structuresfrom Geometrica, Inc. in Houston, Tex. Such space frame structures areparticularly suited to large free span structures.

[0065] The cladding panels 1510 and 1515 may comprise conventionalcladding panels suitable for use in a roofing system for a building. Ina preferred embodiment, the cladding panels 1510 and 1515 comprisesubstantially rectangular roofing panels comprised of a fabric, rubber,or other flexible member. The cladding panels 1510 and 1515 arepreferably arranged in an overlapping arrangement.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 16, in a preferred embodiment, thecladding panels 1510 and 1515 are preferably coupled in the overlapusing an adhesive material 1520. In this manner, a watertight roofingstructure is provided. The adhesive material 1520 may comprise anynumber of conventional commercially available adhesive materials suchas, for example, epoxy, tar other suitable adhesive material for roofingmaterials.

[0067] The roofing system 1500 is especially useful in providing awatertight roofing system for a domed structure. The roofing system 1500eliminates the need to provide expensive custom fit roofing panels. Inthis manner, the roofing system 1500 greatly reduces the cost ofconstruction of such buildings.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 16, as the gap between adjacent roofingpanels is prevented by the overlap, the overlap between adjacent roofingpanels reaches a maximum at the ends of the adjacent roofing panels fora doubly curved surface having positive gaussian curvature. Conversely,as the gap between adjacent roofing panels is prevented by the overlap,the overlap between adjacent roofing panels reaches a minimum at theends of the adjacent roofing panels for a doubly curved surface havingnegative gaussian curvature.

[0069] A building has been described that includes a support structure,a first panel coupled to the support structure, a second panel coupledto the support structure, wherein at least a portion of the second panelis separated from the first panel by a gap, and a clip coupled to thesupport structure adapted to couple the first and second panels, whereinthe extension of the clip above the first and second panels isadjustable. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second panels to bepositioned within a doubly curved surface. In a preferred embodiment,the support structure comprises a free span support structure. In apreferred embodiment, the support structure comprises a space framestructure. In a preferred embodiment, the building includes a firstpanel including a plane member and a seam member extending from theplane member, a second panel including a plane member and a seam memberextending from the plane member, and a clip including a plane member anda seam member extending from the plane member, wherein the seam membersof the first panel, second panel and clip are positioned in anoverlapping relationship. In a preferred embodiment, the plane membersof the first panel, second panel and clip that are positioned within adoubly curved surface. A roofing system for a building has also beendisclosed that includes a first panel, and a second panel, wherein atleast a portion of the second panel is separated from the first panel bya gap, and a clip adapted to couple the first and second panels, whereinthe extension of the clip above the first and second panels the firstand second panels is adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, the firstand second panels are positioned within a doubly curved surface. In apreferred embodiment, the first panel includes a plane member and a seammember extending from the plane member, wherein the second panelincludes a plane member and a seam member extending from the planemember, and the clip includes a plane member and a seam member extendingfrom the plane member, wherein the seam members of the first panel,second panel and clip are positioned in an overlapping relationship. Ina preferred embodiment, the plane members of the first panel, secondpanel and clip are positioned within a doubly curved surface.

[0070] A coupling for use in joining sections of a roofing system for abuilding has been disclosed including a base member; and a seam memberextending from the base member adapted to join the sections of theroofing system, wherein the extension of the seam member from the basemember is adjustable.

[0071] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and disclosed,a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated inthe foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of theembodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of the otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of theembodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A building, comprising: a support structure; afirst panel coupled to the support structure; a second panel coupled tothe support structure, wherein at least a portion of the second panel isseparated from the first panel by a gap; and a clip coupled to thesupport structure adapted to couple the first panel to the second panel,wherein the size of the clip is adjustable.
 2. The building of claim 1 ,wherein the first and second panels are positioned within a doublycurved surface.
 3. The building of claim 1 , wherein the supportstructure comprises a free span support structure.
 4. The building ofclaim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a space framestructure.
 5. The building of claim 1 , wherein the first panel includesa plane member and a seam member extending from the plane member,wherein the second panel includes a plane member and a seam memberextending from the plane member, and the clip includes a plane memberand a seam member extending from the plane member, wherein the seammembers of the first panel, second panel and clip are positioned in anoverlapping relationship.
 6. The building of claim 5 , wherein the planemembers of the first panel, second panel and clip are positioned withina doubly curved surface.
 7. A roofing system for a building, comprising:a first panel; a second panel, wherein at least a portion of the secondpanel is separated from the first panel by a gap; and a clip adapted tocouple the first panel to the second panel, wherein the extension of theclip above the first and second panels the first and second panels isadjustable.
 8. The roofing system of claim 7 , wherein the first andsecond panels are positioned within a doubly curved surface.
 9. Theroofing system of claim 7 , wherein the first panel includes a planemember and a seam member extending from the plane member, wherein thesecond panel includes a plane member and a seam member extending fromthe plane member, and the clip includes a plane member and a seam memberextending from the plane member, wherein the seam members of the firstpanel, second panel and clip are positioned in an overlappingrelationship.
 10. The roofing system of claim 9 , wherein the planemembers of the first panel, second panel and clip are positioned withina doubly curved surface.
 11. A coupling for use in joining sections of aroofing system, comprising: a base member; and a seam member extendingfrom the base member adapted to join the sections of the roofing system,wherein the extension of the seam member from the base member isadjustable.
 12. A building, comprising: a support structure; a firstpanel coupled to the support structure, the first panel including aplane member and a seam member extending in an approximately orthogonaldirection from the plane member; a second panel coupled to the supportstructure and the first panel, the second panel including a plane memberand a seam member extending from the plane member, wherein the outlineof the cross sectional shape of the seam member of the second panel isapproximately trapezoidal, and wherein at least a portion of the planemember of the first panel is separated from the plane member of thesecond panel by a gap; and wherein the seam members of the first andsecond panels bridge the gap.
 13. The building of claim 12 , furthercomprising: a clip coupled to the support structure and the first andsecond panels, the clip including a plane member and a seam memberextending from the plane member, wherein the outline of the crosssectional shape of the seam member of the clip is approximatelytrapezoidal; and wherein the seam members of the first panel, secondpanel and clip are positioned in an overlapping relationship.
 14. Thebuilding of claim 13 , wherein the plane members of the first panel,second panel and clip are positioned within a doubly curved surface. 15.The building of claim 13 , wherein the plane members of the first andsecond panels are positioned within a doubly curved surface.
 16. Thebuilding of claim 12 wherein the support structure comprises a free spansupport structure.
 17. The building of claim 12 , wherein the supportstructure comprises a space frame structure.
 18. A roofing system for abuilding, comprising: a first panel including a plane member and a seammember extending in an approximately orthogonal direction from the planemember; a second panel coupled to the first panel, the second panelincluding a plane member and a seam member extending from the planemember, wherein the outline of the cross sectional shape of the seammember of the second panel is approximately trapezoidal, and wherein atleast a portion of the plane member of the first panel is separated fromthe plane member of the second panel by a gap; and wherein the seammembers of the first and second panels bridge the gap.
 19. The roofingsystem of claim 18 , further comprising: a clip coupled to the first andsecond panels, the clip including a plane member and a seam memberextending from the plane member, wherein the outline of the crosssectional shape of the seam member of the clip is approximatelytrapezoidal; and wherein the seam members of the first panel, secondpanel and clip are positioned in an overlapping relationship.
 20. Theroofing system of claim 19 , wherein the plane members of the firstpanel, second panel and clip are positioned within a doubly curvedsurface.
 21. The roofing system of claim 18 , wherein the plane membersof the first and second panels are positioned within a doubly curvedsurface.
 22. A method of constructing buildings, comprising the stepsof: constructing a space frame structure; and constructing a roofingstructure onto the space frame structure, the roofing structureincluding a plurality of roofing panels having substantially verticallyaligned seam members that are coupled by roofing clips; wherein theroofing structure is constructed by the following; deforming the seammembers of adjacent roofing panels; adjusting the size of the clips; andcoupling the deformed seam members using the adjusted clips.